UNDP assures support to post-flood rehabilitation

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Malloch Brown called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office in the city yesterday. PHOTO: PID

His appreciation and assurance came when he called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office.

Brown handed over UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's 'Humanitarian Message to the People and the Government of Bangladesh' to the prime minister.

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In his message the UN Secretary General expressed his solidarity with the flood-hit people of Bangladesh and assured them that the UN would do its part to help the country.

The prime minister apprised the UNDP administrator of the losses incurred in flooding in different sectors. She expressed the hope that international assistance would come to recoup the losses.

Brown described the first phase of the floods as "difficult one" and appreciated the government for successfully facing the first phase by utilising the country's own resources, ability and logistics. He also lauded the start of the second phase terming it "crucial phase."

Appreciating Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's personal care and attention in facing the floods, the UNDP administrator reiterated the UN family's commitment to Bangladesh. He said encouraging response to the UN "flash appeal" for assistance for flood-hit Bangladesh is being received

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would receive enough assistance for its post-flood rehabilitation programme.

Brown said the UNDP is supporting projects in Bangladesh for strengthening parliamentary democracy. Referring to his Wednesday's visit to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said the government's development programmes in the region have been progressing very well.

The prime Minister sought support for development of small and medium scale industries in Bangladesh.

The UNDP administrator lauded the achievements of Bangladesh in Millennium Development Goal including primary education, reduction of child mortality rate and ensuring of pure drinking water.

He said the review meeting for five years on Millennium Development Goal schedule to be held next year would discuss the successes of Bangladesh in various sectors. The review meeting, he said, would also discuss about the contributions of the developed countries to the developing countries for their poverty reduction and trade access.

He said and expressed the hope that Bangladesh would get more assistance and trade access.

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Kamal Siddiqui and UNDP country representative Jorgen Lissner were present.